Nordship 380 DS Information, Review, Specs

With a length overall of just over 38 feet, the Nordship 380 DS is a true 38-footer offering a blend of spacious living and capable sailing performance, characteristic of Scandinavian yacht design.

History and Design

The Nordship 380 DS entered production in 2012, building upon the rich legacy of Nordship Yachts, which traces its roots back to Buchwald Yachtværft in 1978. The acquisition of the "Nordship" name in 1988 marked a pivotal shift towards exclusively producing deck saloon yachts, a design philosophy that remains central to the brand. The 380 DS exemplifies Nordship's core motivation to craft Danish-built, deck saloon yachts engineered for comfortable and safe long-distance voyaging.

A hallmark of Nordship's design, prominently featured in the 380 DS, is the emphasis on the deck saloon concept, often combined with a centre cockpit configuration. This design provides exceptional shelter in the cockpit and allows for a spacious, private aft cabin. 9, 14, Builder Article The signature raised saloon offers excellent panoramic views from within the yacht, enhancing the sense of space and connection to the outside environment. While specific design variations like MkI or MkII are not noted, Nordship yachts are renowned for their customizable interiors, allowing owners significant input into the design and layout to meet their specific needs. 7, 8, Builder Article

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nordship 380 DS is designed to offer a balanced and capable sailing experience. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.78, she is classified as a moderate cruiser, indicating a good balance between light-wind performance and heavy-air stability. Her Ballast to Displacement (Bal/D) ratio of around 0.355 (35.5%) contributes to a stable motion, though it suggests she is not an exceptionally stiff boat that would stand up to extreme amounts of canvas in very strong winds. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 229.54 places her in the medium-heavy cruiser category, reinforcing her suitability for comfortable long-distance passages rather than high-performance racing.

Despite not being a lightweight racer, the Nordship 380 DS is described as nimble and rewarding to sail, capable of a healthy turn of speed. Reviews indicate solid performance in windy conditions, with the ability to sail fast and hold a very good height upwind, accelerating well compared to similar vessels. Her fin keel and spade rudder contribute to responsive handling, making her well-suited for offshore sailing and extended cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Nordship 380 DS is designed for maximum comfort and privacy, reflecting the brand's focus on luxury and custom craftsmanship. It typically features a two-cabin layout with two bathrooms, with the owner's stateroom located in the aft, providing a full-beam private retreat. This arrangement ensures significant space and privacy for the primary occupants.

The central feature of the interior is the raised deck saloon, which offers unrestricted panoramic views from within, a key benefit for crew comfort during passage making or while at anchor. The large dining salon is a central gathering point. Interior finish quality is consistently described as luxurious and handcrafted, with materials such as European Oak contributing to a classy and refined aesthetic. 2, 8, Builder Article Nordship emphasizes the bespoke nature of their yachts, allowing interiors to be tailored to personal design preferences. Amenities such as heating and air conditioning can be incorporated to enhance comfort in varied climates.